As teens, we often compare ourselves to others. Competitive sports, high school cliques, and simply the complicated nature of being a teenager in America can be confusing and can decrease our confidence levels. Having parents with low self-esteem, having a prolonged illness, or trying to live up to societal expectations can all squash our confidence levels. Sometimes all it takes is a little perspective and our confidence comes back, full-force. Getting out into the wilderness and in touch with our wild roots is one way to boost our confidence levels, feel renewed, and learn to truly love ourselves. Here are a few ways being in the natural world can boost your confidence and improve your life.

Nature puts things into perspective. When we get into the natural world and immerse ourselves in her wonder, petty daily life tasks or concerns fade away. We become less obsessed with mirrors, trends, gossip, addictive behaviors, and petty disagreements, and more and more aware of how nature is a mirror of our divinely unique essence.

Spending time in the wilderness makes you realize how truly capable you are. When you spend time in the woods, you learn how to fend for yourself without creature comforts. This is a huge reminder that you are capable, strong, and ready for anything.

Nature is wild and doesn’t abide by societal standards. Our confidence can get crushed when we think we have to live up to a societal standard and this makes us lose touch with our true selves. When we’re kids, it’s easy to play and feel carefree. When we get a little older, society expects us to play less and do more, and often doesn’t recognize the unique potential within each of us. When we get out into the wild, societal programming melts away in favor of the vast expanses of mountain ranges, oceanic bliss, and miles of meadow.

RedCliff Ascent is a therapeutic wilderness program, nestled between two mountain ranges in the high desert of Enterprise, UT. We focus on adolescents ages 13-17 who are struggling with various challenges from anxiety and depression, to school abandonment and the need to reconnect with their family. With over 25 years of experience, RedCliff uses a relational model and narrative therapy to drive an outcome and an evidence-based approach. RedCliff Recovery offers an experience like no other through a proven, 12-step, adventure-based wilderness program. For more information, call us today: 801-921-8488.